Psych Chapter 1

applied psychology

is the branch of psychology that uses psychological theories and research to solve real-world problems
the four main branches are

• clinical psychology

• counselling psychology

• education and school psychology

• industrial and organizational psychology

Behaviour

Refers to any overt (observable) response or activity by an organism

Behaviourism

A theoretical orientation based on the premise that scientific psychology should study only observable behaviour. The shift in psychology from focus on thoughts and the mind to a focus on behavior.

clinical psychology

psychologists concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with psychological disorders as well as less severe emotional or behavioural problems

Cognition

the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses

counselling psychology

Counsellors engage in interviews, testing and provide therapy similarly to clinical psychology. They provide service to people struggling with everyday problems

critical thinking

Is the use of cognitive skills and strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome

Culture

The traditions, practices, beliefs and worldview of a certain group of people

Empiricism

Gaining knowledge through scientific experience and observation

Ethnocentrism

evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.

evolutionary psychology

examines behavioural processes in terms of their adaptive value for members of a species over the course of many generations.

Functionalism

Branch of psychology that was based on the belief that psychology should investigate the function or purpose of consciousness, rather than its structure

Humanism

Humanism is a theoretical orientation that emphasizes the unique qualities of humans, especially their freedom and their potential for personal growth

introspection

Introspection required training to make the subject—the person being studied—more objective and more aware.

positive psychology

Positive psychology uses theory and research to better understand the positive, adaptive, creative, and fulfilling aspects of human existence.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and disorders

Structuralism

Branch of psychology that focuses on introspection and the "structural" pieces of the mind through perception and sensation primarily. Founded by Edward Titchener

Sigmund Freud

Believed in psychoanalysis. Believed sexual urges guided behavior and the subconscious mind

Donald Hebb

Pioneering ideas credited with highlighting the importance of physiological, neuropsychological perspectives Considered to have paved the way for recent cognitive and neuroscience revolutions in psychology Argued that locus of behavior should be sought in the brain Hebb's ideas suggested how neural networks might work and be organized

William James

Functionalist with strong influence Disagreed with structuralists wanted to focus on the "stream of consciousness" Wrote psychology textbook (considered perhaps most influential text in history of psychology)

Carl Rogers

Humanist psychologist Pioneered new approach to psychotherapy (person centered therapy)

Martin Seligman

A founder of the positive psychology movement Emphasizing some of the same themes as humanism, positive psychology seeks to shift the field's focus away from negative experiences positive psychology uses theory and research to better understand the positive, adaptive, creative, and fulfilling aspects of human existence. President of APA in 1997

B. F. Skinner

Prominent behaviorist in 1950s Believed free will is an illusion and our environment determines our choices Trained animals using conditioning in the Skinner Box

John B. Watson (1878-1958)

Founded behaviorism Shifted people from psychoanalytics to behaviorism

Wilhelm Wundt

Considered father of psychology (1832-1920) Established first psych laboratory (1879) Argued that psychology should be the scientific study of consciousnes